Degree of Comparison: What is a Degree of Comparison? The degree of comparison is a grammatical concept that relates to using adjectives and adverbs. In essence, it is used to describe, modify or quantify adjectives or adverbs. There are 3 varying degrees of comparison and we shall explore each with a suitable example:
| Degrees of Comparison | ||
| Types | Example (Adjective) | Example (Adverb) |
| Positive Degree | Angry | Angrily |
| Comparative Degree | Angrier | More angrily |
| Superlative Degree | Angriest | Most angrily |
Read on to the article to find more about Degree of Comparison Exercise, Rules & Formula.
Degrees of Comparison Understanding Types
From the above Degree of Comparison example, we have understood the basic meaning behind this concept. Now, let’s take a closer look at each of the types and their specified usage:
Positive Degree
A positive degree of comparison just tells us about the existence of a quality. It does not offer any comparison.
Example: Fast – Cheetahs runs fastLarge – Blue Whales are large hot – Venus is hot
Comparative Degree
As the name suggests, this compares quality between two things.
Example: Faster – Cheetahs are faster than most animals larger – Blue Whales are larger than most animalsHotter- Venus is hotter than other planets
Superlative Degree
Unlike comparative degrees, superlative degrees compare the quality of more than two things.
Example: Fastest – Cheetahs are the fastest animals largest – Blue Whales are the largest animals hottest- Venus is the hottest planet
Rules to be Followed for Implementing Degree of Comparison
The following are important rules that must exercised when implementing Degrees of comparison:
Rule 1: If the adjective is a one-syllable word, the word remains unchanged in the positive degree. However, in the comparative degree, “er” needs to be added at the end of the word. Similarly, superlative degree replaces the “er” with “est”
Example:
- Strong (Positive Degree)
- Stronger (Comparative degree)
- Strongest (Superlative degree)
Rule 2: If the adjective has more than one syllable, then the positive degree remains unchanged. In the comparative degree, we need to add “more” or “less”. In a superlative degree, “more” or “less” needs to be replaced with “most” and “least” respectively.
Example:
- Famous (Positive Degree)
- Less famous (Comparative degree)
- Least famous (Superlative degree)
Rule 3: If the adjective has more than one syllable and ends with “Y”, then the positive degree remains unchanged. In the comparative degree, we need to replace the “Y” with “ier”. In a superlative degree, “ier” needs to be replaced with “iest”.
Example:
- Silly (Positive Degree)
- Sillier (Comparative degree)
- Silliest (Superlative degree)
However, in case the quality is different (less instead of more), then the above examples become:
- Silly (Positive Degree)
- Less silly (Comparative degree)
- Least silly (Superlative degree)
Common Mistakes
- Do not apply two rules for forming a comparative or superlative.
- Example: You get MORE PRETTIER as the night goes on. – (WRONG)
- When comparing two things, always use the comparative degree and NOT the superlative degree.
- Example: Of the two colours, red is the MOST PREFERRED – (WRONG)
- Some adjectives do not have comparative or superlative forms as their meaning already expresses the highest possible quality.
- Example: The word “Dead” cannot be expressed as “More dead/ Deader/ Most dead/ Deadest”. Similarly, the words “single”, “instantaneous” and “unique” do not have comparative or superlative degrees.
FAQ’s on Degree of Comparison
Question 1.
What is a Degree of Comparison?
Answer:
Degree of comparison is a grammatical concept that relates to using of adjectives and adverbs, where it is used to describe, modify or quantify the adjectives or adverbs.
Question 2.
What are the 3 degrees of comparison?
Answer:
There are 3 varying degrees of comparison and they are as follows:
- Positive degree
- Comparative degree
- Superlative degree
Question 3.
What is a positive degree of comparison?
Answer:
This degree of comparison does not offer any comparison, instead, it just tells us about the existence of a quality. Example: Fast, hot, cold, large etc.
Question 4.
What is a comparative degree of?
Answer:
A comparative degree compares quality between two things. Example: Faster, hotter, colder, larger, etc.
Question 5.
What is a superlative degree of comparison?
Answer:
Superlative degree compares the quality of more than two things. Example: Fastest, hottest, coldest, largest, etc.
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